How To Knit A Baby Blanket
Summary: Baby blankets are very personal gifts that you can make for an expectant mother or for a baby; they make excellent shower and first birthday gifts, and knitting is probably the most common no-sew ways that a baby blanket is made.

Before you can knit a baby blanket you need to know how to knit - It's not near as difficult or as time consuming as it looks, and getting started is easy!  All you need is a basic pattern, ball of yarn and pair of knitting needles.  Most basic (beginner) knitting patterns will include photos of the stitches that the pattern includes to help you learn the stitching. The variety of available yarn to choose from is extensive, so after picking your pattern make sure to read the materials list carefully to ensure that you pick a yarn that fits within it's material list. Most patterns will recommend a specific brand and even color to use, making it extremely easy to pick the yarn, though you can always substitute to fit your taste.  If you do substitute the yarn from the yarn indicated on the material list, try to match the one with the same weight, fiber and gauge.

Just like yarn, knitting needles are also available in a wide assortment, made out of plastic, metal, wood or other material.  Many beginners prefer the wooden needles because the yarn grips the needle better with less slipping, but since they all knit the same, the material that the needle that you select is simply a matter of personal preference.  The size of needle that you select is best served by using the size recommended on your pattern, as the needle sizes run from size 0 (zero), which is itty-bitty, to size 50, which is rather large, both for specialty projects.  The size of your needle ultimately reflects the size of the hole that you are stitching; you will learn this as you knit.  

There are three main styles of knitting needles to choose from, the most common being the straight, single point, as it is ideal for knitting flat items with straight rows back and forth and generally has a ball on the end to keep your finished stitches from falling off.  For your baby blanket this is the type of needle that you will most likely want to use. The other two styles of needles that available are the circular and double point needles.  The circular needles are used to create seams in your projects, and the double point needles are for rounded items such as the fingertips in gloves and the tips of socks. Again, your pattern will dictate what type of needle is recommended.

Now that you have selected your pattern and prepared your supplies, you are almost ready to begin knitting your baby blanket.  There are just two terms that you should familiarize yourself with before beginning, so you will be comfortable with them when you see them within your pattern.  First, "Casting On", this is the first step in your knitting, it is where you lay your foundation and place your first row stitches on the needle. Second, "Cast Off", this is when you create an edge to prevent your stitches from unraveling; the term 'Cast Off' is interchangeable with 'Bind Off'.  

Your pattern should depict the Cast On and Cast Off Stitches as well as the two basic stitches, the Purl and Knit Stitches, along with pictures to help you with your project.  Now you are ready to begin knitting your baby blanket.  Your first few stitches might feel a little awkward but you will have the technique down in a matter of minutes and your new blanket will begin taking shape in no time!

Enjoy!